Summer 2013
dupageforest.org
1
from the president For decades the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has gained a reputation for providing quality children’s programming. Thousands of eager young minds have learned about our region’s plants and animals while discovering how to safely explore the sights, sounds and smells of the forest preserves with friends and family or on their own. So in 2005 when Richard Louv’s eye-opening “The Last Child in the Woods” introduced the idea of “nature-deficit disorder” and an urgency to turn off the television and turn on children’s inherent sense of outdoor exploration, the District knew it had the resources to help. Recently, I picked up another of Mr. Louv’s books, “The Nature Principle,” in which he calls for grown-ups to recognize that we, too, need time in the wild, that “the more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.” Again, I think the District has a lot to offer. Over the past few years, Forest Preserve District naturalists and rangers have added hiking, cycling, archery, fishing and kayaking programs for adults to their rotations. Fullersburg Woods Environmental Education Center in particular hosts “FullersBird Fridays” and “Forest Fitness Walks” for adults, which give participants not only an excuse to hit the trails but also an introduction to the habitats and resident and migrant birds that make up our 25,000 acres of forest preserves. Our volunteer programs offer rewarding experiences for the 18 and over crowd, from working with native wildlife to protecting our valuable natural resources. And when you need to take things at your own pace, with 145 miles of trails there are plenty of opportunities to do that, too. Fortunately, by working for an agency that’s dedicated solely to conservation and to getting people hooked on the outdoors, Forest Preserve District staff and board members are able to continually build on the foundation you’ve helped us create, introducing new engaging experiences with every season. This summer, make time to discover your DuPage forest preserves, and I’m certain you’ll agree.
Board of Commissioners President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr., Addison Commissioners Marsha Murphy, Addison — District 1 Joseph F. Cantore, Oakbrook Terrace — District 2 Linda Painter, Hinsdale — District 3 Tim Whelan, Wheaton — District 4 Mary Lou Wehrli, Naperville — District 5 Shannon Burns, West Chicago — District 6
Board Meetings For schedules and agendas, visit dupageforest.org.
I The Conservationist Summer 2013, Vol. 49, No. 3 Director of the Office of Public Affairs Susan Olafson Editor Jayne Bohner Editorial Assistants Johanna Biedron Bonnie Olszewski Beth Schirott
I Forest Preserve District of Du Page County P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 933-7200, TTY (800) 526-0857 dupageforest.org
D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
2
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
The Conservationist is a quarterly publication of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Subscriptions are free for DuPage County residents and $5 per year for nonresidents. To subscribe or unsubscribe, call (630) 933-7085, or email forest@dupageforest.org. You can also read this and previous issues 24/7 at dupageforest.org. To receive an email when each new issue is available online, email forest@dupageforest.org.
© Andrew Kim
© Kelly Verdeck Photography
4
contents Vol. 49, No. 3 | Summer 2013
4 News & Notes 6 Jumpin’. . . Jiminy? 6
8 Summer Calendar 18 A Matter of Principles 20 Explore: Mallard Lake 22 Directory
8
23 Map
© LHG Creative Photography
© Mike Shimer
On the cover: True katydid © 2013 Navjot Singh, flickr.com/nsingh
OUR Mission 18
To acquire and hold lands for the purpose of preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of DuPage County citizens
dupageforest.org
20
3
news & notes Many Thanks The Forest Preserve District thanks the following donors who contributed to its efforts between Jan. 1 and March 30, 2013. Special-Event Business Sponsors 26 Hot 95.9 The River Dr. David Allen — Wheaton Orthodontics Birds and Beans Coffee, LLC Bob Campbell Photography Bowling Green Sports Center Bridgestone Retail Operations Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. DePAW University Canine Campus, Inc. DuPage Framing Center Enerpace, Inc. Grand Geneva Resort Honest Tea I Have a Bean Lewek Photography and Frame Studio Lynfred Winery Master Uniform Manufacturing Corporation SciTech Hands On Museum Waste Management — Greene Valley
Work Continues Along the West Branch The Forest Preserve District and DuPage County Stormwater Management are beginning a multiyear project to restore the West Branch of the DuPage River and 300 acres of adjoining habitat at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett. A grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and budgeted money from the District and the county will fund the work. The area originally contained wet prairies, marshes and fens, but as farmers altered the land, centuries-old habitats were lost. They buried clay tiles to drain the soil for crops and pastures and deepened and straightened the river to keep it from flooding their fields. Aggressive woody plants like buckthorn and box elder eventually replaced scores of grasses, sedges and flowers. But starting in June, crews will begin to remove the underground tiles and weedy trees and restore the natural hydrology. As work progresses, they’ll reintroduce native plants and restore the riverbed, creating healthier conditions for aquatic life and increasing stormwater storage in the reconditioned floodplain.
Gifts of Note
The two agencies are also working on a 3-mile stretch of the river further south, including 2 miles within McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville. This project, which should be completed by December 2016, will benefit native wildlife by improving in-stream habitat and enhancing native riverbank and floodplain vegetation. Work along the floodplain within McDowell will help homeowners, too, by removing invasive trees and shrubs, which will allow the area to better receive and transport stormwater, providing additional protection against localized flooding.
Mr. and Mrs. John Nalbach — Fabricated Steel for Bridge at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve
Details on both West Branch projects are online at dupageforest.org under “Forest Preserve News” and “Plans and Projects.”
Mary J. Demmon Private Foundation — $6,000 for Horse Care at Danada Equestrian Center
Public Meetings
Whole Foods Wight and Company Wines for Humanity Wintrust Wealth Management
ComEd — $1,000 to Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Visit dupageforestgiving.org to make your tax-deductible contribution today!
4
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
Forest Preserve District commission meetings and planning sessions are open to the public and take place at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton. Schedules and agendas are available in advance at dupageforest.org. Normally, commission meetings are at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, and planning sessions are at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays. At both the board discusses District business and hears public comments as well as staff reports; at commission meetings, the board also votes on agenda items.
Illinois Law Targets Aquatic Hitchhikers
Happier Trails Coming to Off-Leash Areas This summer the District will be replacing the wood-chip trails at the off-leash dog areas at Springbrook Prairie and Greene Valley forest preserves in Naperville with limestone. Limestone is more sanitary (a big plus according to veterinarians), has fewer ruts and trip hazards, provides better ADA accessibility, requires less maintenance and offers the best surface for high-use areas. Work should begin at Greene Valley in August; because of unexpected spring weather-related projects, the District is still scheduling a start date for Springbrook Prairie. Each area will need to close during construction, but the District will post signs in advance so visitors with valid permits can plan ahead to use its other locations.
E-News Essentials Sign up for the District’s new monthly e-newsletter, and get the latest on DuPage forest preserves delivered right to your inbox. To get started, scan this QR code or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also explore the District’s redesigned website, which features streamlined navigation and links to Google maps with driving directions to and from every forest preserve parking lot. Give us your feedback at forest@dupageforest.org.
Ecologists hope a new state law will help slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. Among other regulations, boaters and anglers must now remove plants and animals that stick to any equipment — watercraft, trailers, fishing gear, etc. — before leaving the shoreline. The complete law is included in the state’s “Boating Registration and Safety Act,” which is online at dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/boating.
Zebra Mussels ID’d in Second DuPage Lake The Forest Preserve District has confirmed the presence of nonnative zebra mussels in Bass Lake at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett. The mussels, which spread by attaching to watercraft or fishing gear, were identified in nearby Deep Quarry Lake in 2009. As juveniles, they’re invisible to the naked eye; as fingernail-sized adults, they’re prolific breeders that affect aquatic ecosystems by devouring the plankton, bacteria, zooplankton and algae that native fish, mollusks and other species need for food. The District has zebra-mussel monitoring stations along Salt Creek and both branches of the DuPage River and in most county lakes. It’s working with the state to prevent any further spread and has developed a “Protect Your Waters” program so volunteers can help monitor waters and talk with visitors in DuPage County’s forest preserves.
State to Treat 15 Areas for Gypsy Moths The District is partnering with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Slow the Spread Foundation to treat select areas for nonnative gypsy moths, whose caterpillars can defoliate entire oaks and other trees, making the plants prone to disease and premature death. Starting in late June and continuing through July, the state will treat Big Woods, Blackwell, Burlington Park, Danada, Egermann Woods, Goodrich Woods, Greene Valley, Herrick Lake, Hickory Grove, Hitchcock Woods, McDowell Grove, Pioneer Park, St. James Farm, Warrenville Grove and West Branch Riverway forest preserves as well as wooded areas in the surrounding municipalities. The state uses small planes flying roughly 100 feet above the treetops to spread green rice-sized flakes that contain gypsy moth pheromones, chemicals the females produce to attract males. The flakes distract the males, which then often die before successfully mating. The flakes only target gypsy moths, do not contain pesticides and are nontoxic to other wildlife and humans. They may stick to vehicles but do wash off. More information is available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (815) 787-5476. dupageforest.org
5
© Kelly Verdeck Photography © Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Because katydids are usually heard and not seen, spotting one is an exciting find.
T he small oval opening on the front right leg of this broad-winged katydid is one of the insect’s earlike membranes that pick up sound.
Jumpin’. . . Jiminy? by Nikki Dahlin, Naturalist, Mayslake Peabody Estate
T
hey’ve served as good luck charms,
pets and meteorologists, and on occasion they’ve even starred on the big screen. (Think Hopper in “A Bug’s Life” or Jiminy Cricket from “Pinocchio.”) But here in DuPage, grasshoppers, crickets and katydids are perhaps best known for their pops, chirps, trills and clicks that fill the county’s forest preserves every summer. Grasshoppers, crickets and katydids have a lot in common, which can make it difficult to determine who’s who. They all belong to the order Orthoptera and have powerful jumping legs, and they all communicate using sound. Fortunately, these particular orthopterans fall into two subgroups — grasshoppers in one and crickets and katydids in another — and the differences between the two can help. Although not surefire identification tools, time of day, location and diet are good places to start. Grasshoppers are usually active during the day in grasslands, wetlands and forests, where they dine on flowers, fruits, grasses and leaves. Katydids and crickets tend to be nocturnal with more diverse habitat preferences and diets. Katydids and tree crickets, for instance, like tall grasses and trees, but field and 6
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
ground crickets favor dark, damp places under rocks or logs or in basements. Menus vary, too, from berries, fungi, seeds, seedlings and decaying plants to fabric, paper and the remains of deceased comrades. A look at the antennae can also offer clues. Crickets’ and katydids’ antennae are thin and wispy and often longer than their bodies, which gives some species the erroneous common name “long-horned grasshoppers.” Grasshoppers’ antennae, on the other hand, are usually thick and stubby. If you’re tempted to catch a grasshopper for a closer look, keep in mind that it may “spit” a messy liquid when startled, which it produces to ward off birds and other predators. Folklore aside, the secretion comes from a special gland and not from a fondness for chewing tobacco. Still, because many orthopterans aren’t lively until after dark, the best way to identify them is often by sound. Each has its own species-specific call, and the mechanisms each uses to produce them can be as complex as the calls themselves. To attract females or defend their territories, male grasshoppers snap their hind wings open as they fly to produce a crackling pop, which is called “crepitation.” It’s like the
T he bands of color on a male Carolina grasshopper’s wings help it grab the attention of potential mates as it flies.
© Mary Fran © Gary Thurgood
T his image of a cricket’s wing magnified 25 times shows the toothy “file” the insect rubs against the “scraper” on its other wing to create its familiar chirps.
© Tom Schultz
T his narrow-winged tree cricket rubs its raised wings together to create its nighttime chirps.
sound a bike makes when there are baseball cards stuck in the spokes. If they’re specifically looking for mates, some band-winged species, such as DuPage County’s Carolina grasshoppers, will enhance their odds by flashing their patterned wings to add a visual component. Crickets and katydids, on the other hand, use “stridulation.” On one wing, there’s a toothy vein called a “file.” On the edge of another wing, there’s a “scraper.” Similar to someone running a finger over a comb, when one of these insects rubs these two pieces together, they create sound. Depending on the species, there may also be other areas on the wings called “harps” or “mirrors” that amplify the sounds the files and scrapers make. (Considering the size of these insects, the ability of their wings to project calls across forests and fields is quite remarkable.) There are a few grasshoppers, such as the marsh meadow grasshopper, that use a form of stridulation, but their sounds are more like sandpaper than song. Katydids’ stridulations produce raspy buzzes or ticks. In fact, the common true katydid’s staccato “ka-ty-did she-did shedidn’t” gives this group its name. Crickets, on the other hand,
create chirps and trills that some people find more melodic. Even novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote of the snowy tree cricket, “If moonlight could be heard, it would sound just like that.” The snowy tree cricket is particularly interesting because the frequency of its call is directly proportionate to the outside temperature. One formula suggests calculating the temperature in Fahrenheit by counting the number of chirps in 13 seconds and adding the number 40. (Try it. The accuracy will surprise you.) But orthopterans don’t always get what they bargain for when they call. When signaling mates, some males merely attract competitors that either sit quietly with hopes of intercepting responding females or pick fights over territories. And regardless of their intentions, many merely advertise themselves to predators, although the high-protein meals they provide birds, small mammals, frogs, fish and other animals make them irreplaceable links in nature’s food chain. With all of this rubbing and snapping of wings, hearing is obviously important, and all orthopterans have “tympana,” membranes that pick up sound waves, which their brains process via nerve receptors. The location of the tympana even offers another way to identify these insects. The next time you look closely at a cricket, look for white spots on its forelegs. Those are its tympana, or, generally speaking, its “ears.” Katydid tympana are in the same area, but grasshoppers’ are on the sides of their bodies. If you’re interested in hearing some of DuPage County’s famous grasshoppers, crickets and katydids with your own two ears, you may want to first visit a few of the websites that feature recordings of individual species. Then, the next time you’re out in the forest preserves, give a look — and a listen — for some of the amazing singing and snapping creatures that are out there, too. • dupageforest.org
7
summer calendar See pages 10 through 17 for program descriptions. Cancellation policies vary by program.
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
4
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
28 30
29 31
30
31
31
M
T
W
1 aug
T
F
S
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
6
7
8
9
10
8
9
10
11
12
13 14
20
11 12
13
14
15
16
17
15
16
17
18
19
20
27
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
22
23
24
25
26
27 28
28 29 jul
25 30
26 31
27
28
29
30
31 29
29 30
30 31
31
31 28 sep
July 1 Kayaking Basics 2 Archery for All Ages
S Archery M T F 6 for AllW AgesT 1 Tour 1 1 St.1James1 Farm1 Saturday
S
jun
1
9 Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday
2
3
4
5
6
11 Cycling for Active Adults
7
12 With 12 Slip Bobbers 13 14 9 Fishing 10 11
8
15
13 Fireflies 18 Farm 19 “Preserve 20 21the Preserve 16 St. 22 17James 5K� St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday
23 24 25 26 27 28 15 30 Girls 31 Write On! Begins
29
Kayaking Basics
16 Fishing Clinic for Kids 19 Bat Bonanza
8
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
20 Archery Open House St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Restoration Workday 21 Bug Safari 24 Archery Fun Shoot Geocaching 25 Fishing Flowing Waters Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday 27 Archery for All Ages Bookworm Adventures Fantastic Fungi St. James Farm Saturday Tour Weekend River Trip Begins 29 Adult Painting Begins Compass Class 101 31 Ranger Trek Junior
21
29
August 2 Fishing Clinic for Beginners 3 Archery for All Ages St. James Farm Saturday Tour 5 Kayaking Basics Teen Open Art Studio Begins 6 Master Photography Class Begins
13 Exploring Watercolors Begins
23 FullersBird Fridays
14 Archery for All Ages
24 Archery for All Ages St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Restoration Workday
15 Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday 16 Fishing for Bass
7 Archery for All Ages Kayaking Basics
17 Beekeeping: How to Get Started Bookworm Adventures St. James Farm Saturday Tour
8 Fishing: Hook, Line and Sinker
18 Fishing off the Beaten Path
9 Catching and Cooking Catfish
19 Kayaking Basics
10 Family Day at Mayslake Field Exploration St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday
20 Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday
27 Fishing for Bass 28 Archery for Adults 30 Fishing Clinic for Beginners FullersBird Fridays 31 Bird Walk for Beginners Bookworm Adventures Country Fair St. James Farm Saturday Tour
21 Archery Fun Shoot
September 1 Country Fair
15 Geocaching
25 Archery for Active Adults
4 Archery in Detail Begins
16 Forest Fitness Walk Kayaking for Scouts Teen Open Art Studio Begins
27 FullersBird Fridays
6 FullersBird Fridays 7 Paddle With a Ranger St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Restoration Workday 9 Forest Fitness Walk Kayaking for Scouts 10 Kayaking Basics 11 Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday 13 F ishing Clinic for Beginners FullersBird Fridays 14 Archery for All Ages Boy Scouts Insect Study Merit Badge Begins St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Restoration Workday
18 Archery Fun Shoot 19 “Blaze New Trails and Volunteer!� Info Session 20 Fishing With Slip Bobbers FullersBird Fridays 21 Archery for All Ages Blackwell History Hike St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Restoration Workday Winfield Mounds Hike
28 Mayslake at Night St. James Farm Saturday Tour Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday When Darkness Falls 29 Fishing for Bass Volunteer Restoration Workday 30 Forest Fitness Walk Kayaking for Scouts
22 Volunteer Restoration Workday 23 Adult Painting Begins Forest Fitness Walk
dupageforest.org
9
summer calendar
Adult Painting
Learn the basics of painting, including drawing, color mixing and elements of design, during this six-part class. Adults only. $125 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566. Jul 29 – Sep 9 Noon – 2:30 p.m. Mondays (except Sep 2)
Mayslake
Sep 23 – Oct 28 Mondays
Mayslake
Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Archery for Active Adults
Try your hand at archery at one of DuPage County’s most scenic preserves. Equipment provided. Ages 50 and up. Free. Registration begins Sept. 11. Call (630) 933-7248.
1890s Living Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago (630) 876-5900 Registration is not required for these free programs. BLACKSMITHING DEMONSTRATIONS Stop by the wagon shed to see the blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. Demonstrations ongoing. Through Sept. 28 Saturdays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. CHILDREN’S FARM CHORES Kids, learn firsthand how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with mom’s chores; on Thursdays, dad’s. Through Aug. 29 (except July 4) Mondays and Thursdays 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR Spread a blanket on the ground, and enjoy an hour of popular children’s stories from the 1890s. Through Aug. 26 Mondays 10 a.m.
Through Sept. 29 Sundays 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
The Conservationist
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Salt Creek Park
Archery for Adults
Learn the history and basic techniques of archery at this adults-only clinic. Equipment provided. Ages 18 and up. Free. Registration begins Aug. 14. Call (630) 933-7248. Aug 28
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Churchill Woods
Archery for All Ages
Learn basic archery techniques. Equipment provided. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 2 Jul 6 Jul 27 Aug 3 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 24 Sep 14 Sep 21
10 –11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 10 – 11:30 a.m. 5:30 – 7 p.m. 6 – 7:30 p.m. 10 – 11:30 a.m. 10 – 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Churchill Woods Greene Valley Greene Valley Churchill Woods Churchill Woods Blackwell Churchill Woods Churchill Woods Greene Valley
Archery Fun Shoot
MEET THE BEEKEEPERS Learn about beekeeping equipment and the important role that bees play in our food supply. Then, ask the beekeepers your questions about honey and bees.
10
Sep 25
| Summer 2013
Sign up for these tournaments for young novices, which have awards for the top three competitors. Bring your own equipment; no crossbows. Some equipment may be available for loan at no cost. Ages 7 – 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 24 Aug 21 Sep 18
6 – 8 p.m. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 4 – 6 p.m.
Blackwell Blackwell Blackwell
Archery in Detail
Learn about safety, equipment, shooting form, whistle commands and target scoring in this two-part program. Ages 8 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Aug. 21. Call (630) 933-7248. Sep 4 and 11
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Blackwell
Introduce your family to this popular sport. Learn about the history of archery and different types of equipment; then, cover some of the basics with a certified instructor. All ages; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Blackwell
Bat Bonanza
Learn about Illinois bats as you hike with a “bat detector” and listen for the sounds these mammals make to communicate and navigate. Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. $5 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110. Jul 19
7 – 9 p.m.
Get details on Forest Preserve District volunteer programs, and decide which option fits your interests and schedule during this one-hour information session. All ages; under 14 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7681. Sep 19
Archery Open House
Jul 20
“Blaze New Trails and Volunteer!” Info Session
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Danada Headquarters
Bookworm Adventures
See favorite stories come to life through interactive and theatrical performances. Ages 6 – 12. $10 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566. Jul 27 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Mayslake The Brothers Grimm
Aug 17 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Mayslake Hans Christian Anderson
Aug 31 11 a.m.
Mayslake Johnny Appleseed
Fullersburg Woods
Beekeeping: How to Get Started
Celebrate National Honey Bee Day while learning about beekeeping equipment and the important role these insects play in our food supply. Then, ask the beekeepers your questions about honey and bees. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900. Aug 17
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm
Bird Walk for Beginners
Join a naturalist on a bird walk, and learn the basics of birding. Bring binoculars. Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. $5 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110. Aug 31
8 – 10 a.m.
Fullersburg Woods
Blackwell History Hike
Learn about the natural and cultural history of one of DuPage County’s most popular forest preserves on this 2-mile ranger-led hike. All ages; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 9. Call (630) 933-7248. Sep 21
1 – 3 p.m.
Blackwell
Canoe, Kayak and Rowboat Rentals Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton Rentals are available daily through Labor Day and then weekends only through the end of September. For information, call (630) 933-7248.
dupageforest.org
11
summer calendar
Boy Scouts Insect Study Merit Badge
Learn how to identify insects, discuss their anatomy, and search for them on land and in water during this two-day adventure. Scouts must complete badge requirement 11 before Sept. 14. Boy Scouts ages 11 – 18. $45 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110. Sep 14 Sep 21
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Bug Safari
Learn the difference between insects and bugs and how to identify them while looking in, on and under woodland plants. Ages 6 and up; under 14 with an adult. $5 per person. To register, call (630) 850-8110. Jul 21
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cultural Events Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook mayslakepeabody.com FIRST FOLIO THEATRE’S “CYMBELINE” Falsely accused of betraying her lover, Imogen must flee to the hills to escape her death. Disguised as a boy and with the help of a shepherd and his two sons, she must prove her honesty and chastity, restore her good name and defeat her evil stepmother. $26 – 37 per person. For tickets, call (630) 986-8067, or visit firstfolio.org.
MIDWEST COLLAGE SOCIETY EXHIBIT View an exhibit of mixed-media collage and assemblage from the Midwest Collage Society. Free. For details, call (630) 206-9566. July 31 – Sept. 10 Mondays – Fridays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. OAK BROOK ART LEAGUE EXHIBIT Enjoy an exhibit by members of the Oak Brook Art League. Free. For details, call (630) 206-9566.
Through July 21 Wednesdays – Sundays 8:15 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Oct. 12 Mondays – Fridays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
FIRST FOLIO THEATRE’S “THE RAINMAKER” When a charming and confident man named Starbuck comes to a drought-stricken western town, he sets a family’s world on end by romancing their spinster daughter and promising to change everything. $26 – 37 per person. For tickets, call (630) 986-8067, or visit firstfolio.org.
RESTORATION-IN-PROGRESS TOURS Learn about the past — and future — of this historic 1920s Tudor Revival-style mansion. $5 per person. Registration required for group tours. Call (630) 206-9588.
July 31 – Sept. 1 Wednesdays – Sundays 8:15 p.m.
Wednesdays 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays 9:30, 10, 11 and 11:30 a.m. YELLOW HOUSE ARTISTS EXHIBIT Enjoy an exhibit of oil pastels by the Yellow House Artists. Free. For details, call (630) 206-9566. Through July 26 Mondays – Fridays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
12
Fullersburg Woods
Fullersburg Woods Fullersburg Woods
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
Catching and Cooking Catfish
Learn tips and tricks for catching and handling “Mr. Whiskers” during this hands-on clinic. Then, enjoy a catfish dinner. All ages; under 16 with an adult. $15 per person ages 13 and up; $10 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration begins July 26. Call (630) 933-7248. Aug 9
6 – 9 p.m.
Fantastic Fungi
Take a hike to find, identify and photograph fungi. Learn about the importance of fungi, their role in ecosystems and challenging conservation issues. Bring a camera. Adults only. Free. To register, call (630) 850-8110. Jul 27
10 a.m. – noon
Fullersburg Woods
Blackwell
Field Exploration
Compass Class 101
Learn one of the oldest survival skills, how to use a compass; then, complete a compass course. Ages 7 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 15. Call (630) 933-7248.
Observe birds, butterflies and wildflowers in bloom at this Illinois Nature Preserve. Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. Free. Groups of 10 or more must register. Call (630) 933-7681.
Jul 29
Aug 10
6 – 7 p.m.
Blackwell
Country Fair
Experience an old-fashioned fair from the county’s agricultural past, including blue ribbons, games, entertainment, antique equipment and Professor Marvel’s Amazing Flea Circus. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900. Aug 31 Sep 1
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm
8 – 11 a.m.
West Chicago Prairie
Fireflies
Learn how to identify and replicate the signals of three species of fireflies, and hear traditional American Indian tales during an interpretive talk. Lawn chairs, flashlights and insect repellent recommended. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 206-9581. Jul 13
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Blackwell
Cycling for Active Adults
Tour several forest preserves during this 15- to 18-mile bike ride along the Salt Creek Greenway Trail. Ages 50 and up. Free. Registration begins June 27. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 11
9 a.m. – noon
Cricket Creek
Exploring Watercolors
During these eight-part classes, explore and enhance your artistic style while enjoying the process of watercolor painting in a beautiful and relaxed setting. Adults only. $150 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566. Aug 13 – Oct 1 Tuesdays
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mayslake Intermediate-Advanced
Aug 13 – Oct 1 Tuesdays
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Mayslake Beginner
Family Day at Mayslake
Enjoy a day of activities for the whole family, including archery, fishing, arts and crafts, and the exploration of Mayslake Hall. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 206-9566. Aug 10
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Family Camping Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville The family campground is open weekends and holidays through Sept. 29 and daily June 28 through July 7. Nature programs are offered all season. For permits and information, call (630) 933-7248.
Mayslake
dupageforest.org
13
summer calendar
Fishing Clinic for Beginners
Learn fish ecology and identification as well as techniques and regulations. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Aug 2 Aug 30 Sep 13
6 – 8 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Blackwell Blackwell Blackwell
Fishing Clinic for Kids
Kids, learn about different kinds of fish, the best ways to catch them and the rules you need to remember. Ages 6 – 17 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 2. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 16
5 – 7 p.m.
Mayslake
Fishing for Bass
Check out some of the most effective bass lures on the market, and try them on some of the county’s best bass lakes. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Aug 16 Aug 27 Sep 29
Learn techniques for fishing in rivers and streams at this intermediate-level clinic. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 11. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 25
6 – 8 p.m.
Fullersburg Woods
Blackwell Meacham Grove Songbird Slough
Fishing: Hook, Line and Sinker
Learn how to fish on the lake bottom for a variety of species. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 25. Call (630) 933-7248. Aug 8
Fishing Flowing Waters
5 – 7 p.m. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
6 – 8 p.m.
Meacham Grove
Fishing off the Beaten Path
Join a ranger for a 2-mile hike with fishing along the way. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Aug. 5. Call (630) 933-7248. Aug 18
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Waterfall Glen
Fishing With Slip Bobbers
Learn one of the most effective techniques for fishing with live bait. Ages 10 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 12 Sep 20
Golfing
St. James Farm St. James Farm
Forest Fitness Walk
The Forest Preserve District’s three distinct golf courses are open through late November. Outings and leagues are available for golfers of all abilities. For general information, specials and tee times, visit dupagegolf.com.
Join a naturalist for a brisk weekly walk, and enjoy some exercise as you take in the wonders of the woods. Adults only. $6 per person per walk; $40 per 10-program pass. To register, call (630) 850-8110.
Oak Meadows Golf Course, Addison, (630) 595-0071 18 holes and practice facility
Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30
Maple Meadows Golf Course, Wood Dale, (630) 616-8424 27 holes Green Meadows Golf Course, Westmont, (630) 810-5330 9 holes
14
6 – 8 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m.
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
8:30 – 10 a.m. 8:30 – 10 a.m. 8:30 – 10 a.m. 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Fullersburg Woods Oldfield Oaks Blackwell Meacham Grove
FullersBird Fridays
Join these naturalist-led hikes, and see how the diversity of birds in a forest preserve changes from summer to fall. Adults only. $6 per person per hike; $40 per 10-program pass. To register, call (630) 850-8110. Aug 23 – Sep 27 Fridays
7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Fullersburg Woods
Master Photography Class
Join professional photographer Hank Erdman for this two-part class that includes lectures on the history of nature photography and a project to expand your skills and knowledge as a photographer. Adults only. $60 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566. Aug 6 and 20
7 – 10 p.m.
Mayslake
Mayslake at Night
Geocaching
Try a popular treasure-hunting activity using a GPS unit to discover hidden caches. Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248.
Experience nighttime sights and sounds while exploring the woods, lakeshore and grounds around Mayslake Hall. Ages 6 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 206-9581.
Jul 24 Sep 15
Sep 28
10 – 11:30 a.m. 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Churchill Woods Churchill Woods
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Mayslake
Girls Write On!
Experiment with different writing techniques at this girls-only five-day camp. Ages 11 – 14. $140 per person. To register, call (630) 206-9566. Jul 15 – 19
9:30 a.m. – noon
Mayslake
Kayaking Basics
Learn the basics of kayaking, including parts of the boat and paddling strokes. Equipment provided. Ages 14 and up; under 18 with an adult. $20 per person. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 1 Jul 15 Aug 5 Aug 7 Aug 19 Sep 10
6 – 8 p.m. 6 – 8 p.m. 6 – 8 p.m. 10 a.m. – noon 5 – 7 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m.
Blackwell Blackwell Blackwell Wood Dale Grove Blackwell Hidden Lake
Kayaking for Scouts
Scouts, learn basic kayaking techniques, watercraft safety and preserve information. Equipment provided. Scouts ages 12 and up. $10 per person. Registration begins two weeks prior. Call (630) 933-7248. Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 30
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Blackwell Blackwell Blackwell
Historic Country Estate St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville Spend time exploring this multifaceted preserve, from its natural areas and historic dairy and equestrian buildings to its sculptures and other art. Covered Wagon Tours Enjoy a 30-minute guided covered wagon ride, and learn about the natural and cultural history of St. James Farm along the way. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248. Through Oct. 30 (except Aug. 31 and Sept. 1) Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
dupageforest.org
15
summer calendar
Paddle With a Ranger
St. James Farm Saturday Tours
Sep 7
The Artwork of St. James Farm Discover inspirations and interpretations of pieces installed throughout the grounds. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free.
Join a ranger for a paddle on Salt Creek. Bring your own canoe or kayak to this free program, or rent one for $20 per person. Ages 14 and up; under 18 with an adult. To register, call (630) 933-7248. 10 a.m. – noon
Fullersburg Woods
Ranger Trek Junior
Learn about the critters that call the forest preserves home, and join a ranger on a hike to explore different habitats. Ages 10 and under with an adult. Free. Registration begins July 17. Call (630) 933-7248. Jul 31
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Waterfall Glen
St. James Farm “Preserve the Preserve 5K” Enjoy the beauty of this unique preserve as you run or walk over a diverse course. $39 per person ages 13 and up; $19 per person ages 12 and under. Register at register.itsracetime.com. For more information, call (630) 933-7248. Jul 13
6 – 8 p.m.
St. James Farm
Explore interesting aspects of this historic preserve. Registration not required. Call (630) 933-7248.
Jul 6 Aug 3 Sep 7
2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m.
St. James Farm St. James Farm St. James Farm
Cultural and Natural History Learn about the farm’s beginnings and its development during a leisurely 1-mile walk. Ages 5 and up; under 13 with an adult. Free. Jul 13 Aug 10 Sep 14
2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m.
St. James Farm St. James Farm St. James Farm
The 1906 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Caboose Hear about the onboard lives of the conductor and brakeman and CA&E Railroad’s connection to St. James Farm. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Jul 20 Aug 17 Sep 21
2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m.
St. James Farm St. James Farm St. James Farm
Ever-Changing Flora Examine blooming native plants along the trails and in the prairies during a relaxing half-mile walk. Ages 5 and up; under 13 with an adult. Free. Jul 27 Aug 24 Sep 28
Horse-Drawn Hayrides Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton Take a 30-minute ride through the prairies and woodlands of Danada Forest Preserve, and learn about the features of this historic preserve. $5 per person ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5 – 12; under 5 free. Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to reserve private hayrides. Call (630) 668-6012. Sept. 7 – Nov. 3 (except Oct. 12 and Oct. 13) Saturdays and Sundays Noon – 3 p.m.
16
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m.
St. James Farm St. James Farm St. James Farm
Behind the Scenes by Covered Wagon Enjoy the standard covered wagon route as well as areas you might not otherwise encounter. Ages 5 and up; under 13 with an adult. Free. Aug 31
2 – 3 p.m.
St. James Farm
Teen Open Art Studio
Weekend River Trip
Aug 5 – 9 4 – 7 p.m. Mayslake Sep 16 – Dec 9 6 – 8 p.m. Mayslake Mondays (except Oct 14 and Nov 4, 11 and 25)
Jul 27 1 p.m. (through Jul 28 at 4 p.m.)
Teens, bring your painting and drawing skills to an openstudio setting. Intermediate and advanced students can enhance their techniques in pastels, acrylics, watercolors, charcoal and more. Teens only. $225 per person. To register for one of the two sessions below, call (630) 206-9566.
Volunteer Native-Plant-Nursery Workday Help the District’s Habitat Improvement Program by weeding and watering plant beds or collecting and cleaning seed. Ages 12 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. To register, call (630) 933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance. Jul 9 Jul 13 Jul 25 Aug 10 Aug 15 Aug 20 Sep 11 Sep 28
8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m. 8 – 11 a.m.
Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources Blackwell Grounds and Resources
Paddle the West Branch of the DuPage River, and spend the night under the stars during this two-day trip. Pick up outdoor skills and facts about local history along the way. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $50 per person. Registration begins July 14. Call (630) 933-7248. McDowell Grove
When Darkness Falls
Hike through the dark woods with a ranger, and discover what it’s like to use your senses like a nocturnal predator. Ages 6 and up; under 16 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 16. Call (630) 933-7248. Sep 28
7 – 9 p.m.
Waterfall Glen
Winfield Mounds Hike
Join a naturalist-led hike to the only known prehistoric American Indian mounds in DuPage County. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins Sept. 9. Call (630) 942-6200. Sep 21
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Winfield Mounds
Volunteer Restoration Workday
Help restore a natural area by removing nonnative vegetation or planting seed. Ages 8 and up; under 14 with an adult. Free. To register, call (630) 933-7681 at least five business days in advance; groups of five or more must call 10 business days in advance. Jul 20 Jul 20 Aug 24 Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 29
9 a.m. – noon 8 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 1:30 – 4 p.m. 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon 9 a.m. – noon
Springbrook Prairie West Chicago Prairie Springbrook Prairie West Chicago Prairie Fullersburg Woods Danada Springbrook Prairie West Chicago Prairie Springbrook Prairie
Scenic Overlook Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville The overlook is open Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Due to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency activities, however, it may be closed during these times. For additional information, call (630) 792-2100.
dupageforest.org
17
A Matter of
Principles by Jon Pellegrino, Senior Ranger, Office of Land Management
A
s children, we explore DuPage County’s
“wilderness” areas with the fervor of true pioneers. As adults, we realize these lands, although not as boundless as we remember, still inspire awe. And at some point we understand that as “business ethics” can help us make good decisions, “outdoor ethics,” such as the following seven guidelines adapted from principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, can help us steward our irreplaceable natural resources.
Plan Ahead and Prepare One way to ensure an enjoyable adventure is to first decide what you want to see and do and when. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has 60 forest preserves, 30 lakes and 145 miles of trails, and although lakeside on a busy summer afternoon may not be the best time for a quiet, reflective hike, it may be perfect for an impromptu family picnic. You can get trail maps, permit information, forest preserve features, District rules and regulations, and more at dupageforest.org or at information kiosks at many preserves. Of course no matter how much you plan, you can’t count on the weather, but you can be prepared. For instance, if you’re hitting the trails, bring water and dress in layers with a rain jacket if the forecast is uncertain. 18
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Limestone trails are designed to stand up to hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, and the District allows these activities on most of these surfaces. When in doubt, though, check the trail map. Biking on undesignated trails can wreck habitat, and in some preserves, it’s mandatory for even hikers to stay on track. At Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville, for instance, all visitors must remain on certain trails between April and August so they don’t disturb sensitive grassland-bird nesting habitats. In DuPage County’s forest preserves, camping is only permitted in designated youth-group and family campground sites, but all have durable surfaces that can handle concentrated use. Dispose of Waste Properly How many times have you explored a fantastic natural area only to find pop cans or candy wrappers scattered about? Trash isn’t just an aesthetic problem; it’s a hazard. It can introduce wildlife to unhealthy human foods and even become life-threatening if animals become stuck in containers or tangled in stringy litter such as fishing line. (Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn treats hundreds of animals each year injured by fishing tackle alone.)
© Mike Shimer
As the saying goes, “Pack it in, and pack it out,” and most preserves have trash and recycling containers to help visitors do just that. Anglers can help in particular by taking used line to businesses that recycle it or cutting it into 6-inch pieces before putting it in the garbage. And pet owners can do their part by picking up pet waste, which can be harmful to other four-legged visitors as well as wildlife. Leave What You Find Protecting our forest preserves’ natural resources is paramount. By leaving rocks, plants and animals in place, you adhere to District regulations and ensure that the scenery you enjoy now — down to the smallest elements — will be there for you and others later. It’s equally important to not add anything. For instance, dumping nonnative plants or animals, which often have no natural predators or pests and quickly adapt to new environments, allows them to spread through prairies, woodlands and waters, harming native species and habitats as they go. Minimize Campfire Impacts In DuPage forest preserves, campfires are allowed in designated shelters and fire pits, but you should still keep them small and always attended. When you leave, drown your fire
in water, and stir the coals until they’re cool; winds, low humidity and heat can reignite warm coals. Charcoal can start fires, too, so if you’re grilling, put coals in the cement hot-coal containers that are at most preserves and never in the garbage or on the ground. Respect Wildlife One of the best parts of visiting the forest preserves is observing the reptiles, birds, mammals and other species that call them home, but it’s always best to watch from a distance. You not only lessen the chance of potentially harmful interactions but also make sure animals don’t get too stressed, which can affect mating, hibernating and migration habits. For the same reasons, unless they’re in the District’s off-leash areas, pets must always be on leashes less than 10 feet long. Be Considerate of Other Visitors We escape to the outdoors for our own reasons, but we should do our part to help others’ experiences as well. Let nature’s sounds prevail, and avoid loud noises and radios. Walk or jog on the right side of the trail, single file if you’re in a group. If you’re biking or jogging, give a polite “passing on your left” when doing so, and yield to horses, which can startle easily. By remembering these simple principles, we can all do our part to make sure that visits to DuPage County’s forest preserves remain great experiences for everyone. • The copyrighted information in this article is reprinted with permission from the member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. For more information, visit lnt.org.
dupageforest.org
19
explore
Mallard Lake Forest Preserve
Over, On and Around Mallard Lake by Jay Johnson, Office of Land Management
6 N Ú F
or many years, like the entrance to
Batman’s hideout, access to Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Hanover Park was a bit of a secret. It wasn’t a remote dirt road that led through a waterfall and into a hillside, but it was a series of side streets hidden behind a large retailer that led to a parking lot on the side of a lake. But with a new traffic light and entrance on Schick Road, visitors are rediscovering one of the county’s top forest preserves. Like many forest preserves, Mallard Lake started as farmland and started small — 12 acres in 1958. The land was donated by two companies in exchange for their right to excavate gravel, which the state purchased to build some of the area’s first toll roads. Illinois’ Department of Conservation donated 111 acres in 1963, and by the end of the decade Mallard Lake was pushing 800 acres. The preserve was still growing in 1974, when elected county officials, who belonged at the time to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Board of Commissioners as well as the DuPage County Board, decided that the preserve would best serve area residents as a landfill. Operations ran from 1974 until 1999, and today a gas-to-energy plant on the south side of the 190-foot hill turns refuse-generated methane into electricity, which the District sells to a local utility company. The hill produces enough to supply about 8,000 area homes. But Mallard Lake’s best resources are by far its natural resources and recreational features. Almost 2 miles of trails take hikers, bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers north-south through the 953-acre preserve and around — and across — Mallard Lake. (Watching the early morning sun from
20
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
one of the trail’s bridges is a great way to start the day.) At the hub is a 200-car parking lot and 50-person shelter, which picnickers can reserve for family gatherings and other events. Southeast of the 89-acre Mallard Lake — the largest lake in DuPage — a wooden boardwalk brings wildlife watchers through some of the preserve’s wetter areas and habitat for beavers, great blue herons, bullfrogs, eastern meadowlarks and red-tailed hawks. Ecological conditions here and around the entire lake have been improving thanks to District ecologists’ battle with a tenacious aquatic adversary: phragmites, which is also called common reed. At one point, populations of this aggressive invasive were so thick that nothing else could grow along the shore. Wildlife looking for breeding and nesting habitat could not penetrate the dense vegetation, and species that relied on a variety of plant life avoided the area altogether. In 2012 crews treated phragmites by hand and by helicopter, and they plan to do so again this fall. Once populations are in check, the introduction of a healthier mix of native wet-prairie, sedge-meadow and marsh species should bring more diverse wildlife species to the shoreline as well. For anglers, though, it’s what’s below the water at Mallard Lake that’s the real draw. Mallard Lake and Cloverdale Pond are home to largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie, but Mallard also offers walleye, perch, northern pike and “The Fish of a Thousand Casts,” muskie. It’s the only lake in DuPage that the District has stocked with this popular sport fish, whose moody, unpredictable nature makes it an obsession for many anglers even though they catch few.
© Eric Engbretson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
uskellunge M (Esox masquinongy)
© Kevin L. Cole
© LHG Creative Photography
© Jan Crites
G reat blue heron (Ardea herodias)
Red-tailed hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
Muskie stocking started in 2006 with 180 11-inch-long fingerlings, and fish are now reaching 40 inches, due in part to the number of shad and other small baitfish in the lake. Anglers commonly use stout casting rods, high-tensile-strength line and lures that weigh over a pound, but hooked muskies can wage spectacular (although usually short) battles with leaps and powerful runs that can break lines or straighten hooks. Mallard Lake’s creel limit for muskies is 48 inches, though, so it’ll be a few years before anyone can claim any trophies. One reason Mallard Lake is such a productive fishing lake is that it has a variety of underwater structure. Weedy points and bays provide cover for bluegill, which means they’re good places to find hungry northern pike and muskie. Deeper waters with “cabbage humps” — mounds covered in vegetation such as native cabbage weed or pondweed — or submerged “fish cribs” made of plastic, concrete or wood are better spots for crappie. If casting from shore isn’t working, Mallard Lake is one of three forest preserve lakes that allows boating, but you don’t need to like fishing to enjoy this aspect of the lake. Photography buffs and visitors who just love to paddle take to the water to explore its channels, points and bays. Boaters need to carry their crafts to the water (no trailers) and must have state registrations and valid District permits; daily permits are available on-site. For a list of approved watercraft and other regulations, visit dupageforest.org, and click on “Things to Do,” “Recreation” and “Boating,” or call Visitor Services weekdays at (630) 933-7248. So whether you prefer to hike, pedal, cast or paddle, ready yourself this summer to rediscover Mallard Lake. • dupageforest.org
21
directory Education Centers Danada Equestrian Center 3S507 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-6012 The center’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Saturday, Sunday and select holidays.
General Contacts
Golf Courses
Headquarters
Green Meadows Golf Course 18W201 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 810-5330
Street Address 3S580 Naperville Road Wheaton, IL 60189 The headquarters office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on Saturday, Sunday and select holidays. Mailing Address P.O. Box 5000 Wheaton, IL 60189
Maple Meadows Golf Course 272 S. Addison Road Wood Dale, IL 60191 (630) 616-8424 Oak Meadows Golf Course 900 N. Wood Dale Road Addison, IL 60101 (630) 595-0071
Website dupageforest.org Email Address forest@dupageforest.org Main Number (630) 933-7200
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center 3609 Spring Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 850-8110 The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on select holidays. Kline Creek Farm 1N600 County Farm Road West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 876-5900 The farm is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and select holidays. Mayslake Peabody Estate 1717 W. 31st St. Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 206-9566
TTY (800) 526-0857
The estate is open only during scheduled programs and events.
The conservationist subscription line (630) 933-7085
Willowbrook Wildlife Center 525 S. Park Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 942-6200
Fundraising and Development (630) 871-6400 Law Enforcement (630) 933-7240 The Outdoor Report (630) 871-6422 Visitor Services (630) 933-7248 Volunteer Services (630) 933-7681
22
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013
Preserve Hours Most forest preserves are open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Accessibility Individuals with accessibility needs or concerns should contact the District’s ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days before their visit.
The center and the surrounding Willowbrook Forest Preserve are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed on select holidays.
dupageforest.org
23
P.O. Box 5000 Wheaton, IL  60189-5000 (630) 933-7200 dupageforest.org
please deliver to current resident
Summer 2013
Keep an eye Keep anlatest eyeDuPage forest preserve news. on the on the latest DuPage forest preserve news. dupageforest.org/e-newsletter dupageforest.org/e-newsletter
Š Jerry Kumery
24
The Conservationist
| Summer 2013